Google is testing a new way to personalise Top Stories in Search results - one that could reshape your visibility overnight.
TL;DR
In late June 2025, Google rolled out a Search Labs experiment called “Preferred Sources”. This feature lets users:
Source: http://searchengineland.com/google-search-tests-preferred-sources-for-top-stories-457640
This doesn’t replace algorithmic rankings—it supplements them with user input. Google may also show a secondary carousel labelled "From your sources" under the main Top Stories block, Google Tests ‘Preferred…Google Search tests _Pr….
Top Stories has always been a battleground for visibility, but this new twist adds a layer of personalisation:
| Old Model | New Layer Introduced |
|---|---|
| Algorithm decides what's fresh, relevant, and authoritative | User input boosts favourite sources |
| Ranking based on signals like E-E-A-T, Page Experience | Loyalty and prior visits now count more |
This puts more emphasis on:
This is an experiment for now, but it could go global. Here’s how to prepare:
Ask your audience to star your publication in Google Search Labs.
Tip: Add a CTA like “Star us on Google to see more of our stories” in your newsletter or homepage banner.
Something that I'm always saying in The Telegraph. Preferred or not, your content needs to be:
Don’t forget the basics: mobile-friendliness, HTTPS, and Core Web Vitals are still essential for visibility Is Google Top Stor….
Use StoryHawk.io to:
Google’s “Preferred Sources” feature shows a clear trend:
Search is becoming more personalised.
Visibility isn’t just about what you publish, but who values it.
This mirrors other personalisation experiments like:
We’re moving toward a hybrid model—part algorithmic, part audience-driven.
StoryHawk is the only tool built specifically to track, analyse, and benchmark Top Stories visibility.
🎯 Use it to:
💡 Whether you’re a niche publisher or a news giant with multiple verticals, StoryHawk gives you the visibility data you need to act fast.
Try StoryHawk Now – See what Google sees.
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Google has dropped a feature that feels a bit like picking your favourite table in a café. It’s called Preferred Source and it’s now showing up in Google Top Stories. In short, you can tell Google which news outlets you’d like to see more often. If you’ve ever thought, “I wish Google would stop showing […]
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